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The writing in the British Medical Journal urged the UK’s chief medical officers to “put the interests of the child” first and remove potentially harmful contact from the game.

They have made national headlines arguing that the game which is often compulsory is being overseen by PE teachers with little or no specialist training in the field.

28/03/2013 - Paddy Marsh leaves Widey Court Prtimary School after 8 years and his second time at the school. The pupils had a "Goodbye Lunch" in the main hall . L-r at front are William Morgan, Bethan Edwards and Bethany Furlong with Evan Jolley, Courtney Staughton, Luke Dodson, Finlay Tate, Ellie Gath and Harriet Dow at rear. Pic by Paul Slater Rep - RR Contact - Richard Gribble onb 773909 or 07758785409

They say tackling is responsible for nearly two-thirds (64%) of all injuries and 87% of concussions experienced.

The opinion piece cites research suggesting it is far more dangerous than other sports, increasing the risk of violent behaviour and dementia in later life.

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But the former head teacher of eight years for Widey Court Primary School, Crownhill, told The Herald that the amount of injuries due to the contact sport are slim.

He said: “My teaching background is in primary teaching so a lot of tag rugby was played and this is a non-contact sport anyway but if the pupils were a member of a rugby club then they would learn to tackle much earlier.

“But my two grandsons who live in Australia learnt to tackle at the ages of six and seven – they seem a lot more comfortable with it there.

“I think it’s only dangerous if you don’t get coached correctly and I think that’s what needs to be considered by schools.

“Whenever you play a sport there is an element of risk to it and rugby is no different."

Mr Marsh, who retired from teaching four years ago but still works alongside Plymouth Albion, said: "I think the percentage of injuries compared to the amount of pupils playing are very slim because hundreds are playing every day and the numbers are increasing all the time."

An U12's Devonport Services v Kingsbridge game where tackling is used

The debate over the sport's dangers for school children came just days after a wrongly executed tackle left Exeter Chiefs player Sam Simmonds with an injury.

Fellow player Nate Hughes had stepped in to ensure Simmonds was medically stable following the incident and after him luckily making a speedy recovery he took to Twitter to highlight the importance of tackling correctly.

Simmonds tweeted: "Bit of tackle technique needed for me this week I think. Thanks for all the messages of support and thanks to the big man NateWJHughes."

Fans replied in relief that Simmonds was safe and that his injuries had not been worse. Many congratulated Hughes for stepping in to help his friend and colleague in the dangerous situation.